M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education Program

The M. A.T. in Middle Grades Education Program is designed for students holding a Bachelor's degree who are seeking North Carolina Middle Level teaching licensure while simultaneously earning a graduate degree. This 33‐hour program prepares teacher candidates to teach middle grades language arts, math, science and/or social studies.

The program of study is available through face to face and distance education formats. Students may enroll in the program part-time or full-time. Most full-time students complete this program within two years.

MAT Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

The mission of the Middle Grades MAT program is to prepare developmentally responsive and effective middle grades educators.

We address this mission by providing: a.) coursework aligned to the NC Professional Teaching Standards and Association for Middle Level Education standards and b.) Field experiences in a variety of settings.

Upon completion of the program, candidates will:

SLO 1 - Teacher Candidates will demonstrate leadership by applying the major constructs (concepts, principles, theories, standards, and research) related to young adolescent development and developmentally responsive middle schools

SLO 2 - Teacher Candidates will establish a respectful educational environmentfor diverse learners by adapting instruction based on analysis of the individual needs (e.g., learning, social, emotional) of young adolescents and their community contexts

SLO 4 - Teacher Candidates will facilitate student learning through the learning cycle (planning, instruction, and assessment) by applying a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies and technologies to meet the learning needs of young adolescents

SLO 5 - Teacher Candidates will reflect on their practice by analyzing student learning to inform their instruction and professional development